Introduction Maharshi Parashara's Brihat Parashara Hora is acknowledged by all, to be the foundation book of Hindu Astrology. A reference to this great text can be found in the works of Varaha Mihira, Jaimini & others, giving one the impression that this was perhaps the first book on the subject and the fountain-head from which the subsequent authors developed their systems. It is at the request of several sincere well-wishers of the science that I have undertaken the task of presenting an English version of this foundation-work, in the ardent hope, that this would serve to enlighten, not only them but also, other serious students of Astrology, on various branches of astrology , as well as, on the astrological kriyas or processes which the existing English publications do not offer. Astrology as propounded by the Sage Varaha Mihira is held in high esteem in South India whereas, in North India , Maharshi Parashara's system is still the first favourite. A number of astrological Kriyas , Yogas & Dasa Systems as advocated in the latter, are not in use in the South. So far, this book has been translated into Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam. The Malayalam version has been out of print for several years. None of the translations , however, is as exhaustive and complete, as the Sanskrit Version published 35 years ago by Venkateswar Press, Bombay, a copy of which has been made available to me by the Bombay Astrological Society, Vidya Bhavan, Bombay-7, which possesses, perhaps the largest library in the World on Hindu Astrology. Great importance has been attached by Maharshi Parashara to the Shodasa Vargas or the 16 classifications of a sign. I am afraid, there are few books which deal with all the 16 vargas; and even where these are explained, a student has to spend hours on a single horoscope before finding out these classifications due to the absence of ready reckoner tabulations, so much so, that the practitioners of Astrology, who have no patience or time, have to skip over the issue. I have included in this book, ready reckoner tabulations and mentioned the Devatas (Presiding Deities) for all the sub-divisions, so that a reader is not only able to find out the 16 vargas and their lords, but also draw the shodasa varga chakras. In contrast to the practice of drawing up the Rasi, Bhava and Navamsa chakra for reading a horoscope, the Maharshi advocates the use of 16 charts and the divination of a separate aspect of life of the native from each chart.; for instance, prosperity from Turyamsa chakra and profession from Dasamsa chakra. I have explained these with an example chart . Research is, however, needed to discover, as to how far this system can help us, in forecasting the various facets of a man's life. Maharshies agree that Kala Chakra Dasa occupies a place second in importace only to Nakshatra (Vimshottari) Dasa. Parashara agrees with this, but holds the view that where Nakshatra Dasa fails, Kala Chakra Dasa System can be depended upon to give accurate results. It is regrettable that , despite such great importance attached to this system, there is no book which explains it in unambiguous detail. Maharshi Parashara advocates use of rasmies (rays of planets) to assess the exact strength of a planet involved in a Raja Yoga. Maharshi has also explained the method for rectification of rasmies, in detail. In the chapter on Lost Horoscopes, Maharshi has explained the method for casting a horoscope for those without date of birth. Maharshi warns his disciples that they should not cast horoscopes on this basis for trial/experimentation purposes and that the Rules and Regulations explained therein should be used with the same sanctity of Horary Astrology. Stree Samudrika Lakshana & Anga Lakshana - judging a girl from her features and looks has been covered in detail. This could come in handy , especially when we come across girls without horoscopes or date of birth - and in cases, where a reading of the horoscope does not bring out the significance of any bad mark/symbol/feature. References to Gulika are found in this Foundation book in many chapters, yet it is surprising that the status of Gulika in horoscopes is not appreciated in many parts of India - may be many are ignorant of the importance attached to it by the Maharshi. Method to locate Gulika on the zodiac has been explained in the closing chapter, alongwith a note on its Puranik origin. Bombay Om Sadguru Paramathmane Namaha 1961 Om Namo Bhagavathe Sivanandaya Signed NN Krishna Rau Signed VB Choudhary
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